6th October 2017

After the near universal excitement over the return of Aspo and Rudgie can the team now produce the goods on the pitch?

Essentials

Match details

Football League
Saturday 7th October
Vale Park

Team news

What will the Vale look like?

That’s a very difficult one to predict.

One would hope that Aspo keeps faith with youngsters like James Gibbons (right) and Dan Turner but this is his team now and no doubt tough decisions will be made. The only players ruled out are injured duo Rob Lainton and Cristian Montano.

What about the opposition?

Both former Valiants JJ Hooper (right) and Sam Kelly played in the midweek checkatrade game. Defender Zack Mills is also in contention after making his return from injury in that midweek checkatrade game but Grimsby may keep faith in Ben Mills.

Pre-match quote

“It’s great to have a home game to start with, but it’s all about the result. If we don’t get the right one it would be disappointing…”

Vale manager Neil Aspin

Boss watch

Russell Slade

After a successful spell at Leyton Orient, the 56 year-old has been something of a managerial nomad with spells at Cardiff, Charlton, Coventry and now Grimsby in the last three years. He has been in charge of Grimsby for nineteen games, winning six of them. The Mariners have had a mixed start to the season has continued with two wins, two draws and a defeat.

History lesson

Overall record

Port Vale wins: 33
Port Vale losses: 37
Draws: 13

Last time we…

The last time we beat Grimsby at home was in 2009 when Vale ran up a 4-0 win. The scorers that day were Louis Dodds, Tommy Fraser (right), Gareth Owen and Lee Collins.

Classic clip

How could we not replay this moment when Aspo scored one of his three career goals for Vale…

Played for both…

We’ve already mentioned JJ Hooper and Sam Kelly (right) but other players to appear for both clubs include:

Striker Steve Livingstone
Striker Alex Jones
Midfielder Micky Cummins
Midfielder Tommy Widdrington

Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Grimsby Town